Can the Raptors' forgotten player earn himself a future in the league once more?

Just five years ago, the Toronto Raptors ascended to the pinnacle of NBA supremacy, being crowned the 2019 NBA Champions after a valiant effort against the esteemed Golden State Warriors dynasty. At that time, Toronto presented a markedly different landscape, with Kawhi Leonard at the helm, supported by a talented roster that included Kyle Lowry, Pascal Siakam, and Marc Gasol, among others. As we look ahead to the 2024-25 season, only one player from the championship roster remains on the current team: forward Chris Boucher. Notably, Boucher's emergence as a key contributor occurred only after the squad had secured the coveted Larry O'Brien Trophy.

Nonetheless, Boucher remains the sole player from that previous era of Raptors basketball. With a new generation of promising teammates surrounding him, it is easy for the 31-year-old forward to become overshadowed. This became particularly evident during the previous season when Darko Rajakovic assumed head coaching responsibilities from Nick Nurse, resulting in a notable decrease in playing time.

Boucher established a reliable role within the rotation during the Nurse administration, consistently demonstrating commendable effort and hustle in every minute he received on the court. Despite being a tall, slender forward who may lack some physical strength, Boucher found alternative ways to assert his presence against opposing players. Moreover, he showcased an impressive ability to shoot three-pointers with notable efficiency.

Chris Boucher is on uncertain ground

Under Rajakovic's new vision for the Raptors, Boucher found himself increasingly sidelined, as his playing time diminished in favor of emerging younger talent. It soon became a common occurrence to see Boucher listed with a DNP (Did Not Play) due to Coach's Decision in the box score. For any NBA player, witnessing such a decline in their career can be disheartening, as it often suggests that their time in the league may be limited due to a diminishing belief in their ability to perform effectively on the court.

Boucher's identity as a player who is willing to persevere through challenges in order to deliver his utmost on the court, regardless of the number of minutes he plays, is a testament to his exceptional character. In just 19 minutes of play during the Raptors' season opener against Cleveland, Chris Boucher delivered an impressive performance, scoring 18 points on 5 of 9 shooting from the field, including a remarkable 4 of 5 from beyond the arc. It was reminiscent of a bygone era as Boucher's remarkable performance echoed the brilliance of his breakout seasons in 2020 and 2021.

Opinions may vary regarding Boucher's potential to be a significant contributor to a winning team, especially considering that his standout performances occurred during a challenging game for the Raptors, who struggled against their Cavaliers adversaries. But this doesn't change Boucher's much-established identity as a player who is more than willing to take any role in stride and deliver to the best of his capabilities. In the NBA, while offensive and defensive skill sets are undeniably important, qualities such as character and commendable personal traits are intrinsic attributes that cannot be taught. These qualities reflect an athlete's true essence, transcending their basketball identity.

Boucher exemplifies this sentiment, and I firmly believe that the 6-foot-9 forward has the potential to achieve continued success in the NBA due to his perspective on the game.